Influence of the AS-Printing and Post-Printing Processes on the Mechanical Properties of Liquid Metal Jetted 3D Parts
Abstract
Heat treatable aluminum alloys require post-fabrication steps to achieve the desired properties. The conditions to treat cast aluminum parts are well established, however the same processes are not well studied for additive manufactured (AM) parts. This study evaluated the effects of post-printing processes on the hardness of metal parts fabricated by AM. The research focused on the intermediate period from print completion to immersion of the sample into the quenching bath and how delays can influence the parts hardness. Those results were compared to samples that were then solution treated. Aging procedures were conducted to evaluate the influence of diverse time and temperature on hardness. In addition to post-printing process studies, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of introducing additional argon into the printing environment as the 3D part is produced. It was found that quenching after the initial minute of print completion has lasting effects on hardness that are not reversed by the solution treatment step at the temperatures and times employed. Modifying the standard aging time and temperature by plus/minus 15 deg C or plus/minus 20 minutes did not show a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the prints (less than 3 percent change in hardness). Samples that were heat treated increased in hardness, demonstrating the usefulness of the T6 heat treatment. The 3D printer was employed to fabricate the component used to distribute extra argon into the printing environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1184968
Entities
People
- Kahra L Kelty
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School